Nigeria has firmly declined U.S. calls to accept deported Venezuelans many reportedly ex-prisoners saying it’s not feasible amid existing challenges.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today, stressing:
“It will be difficult for a country like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own. We already have 230 million people. You will be the same people that would castigate us if we acquiesce to accepting Venezuelans from U.S. prisons.”
The minister warned that such demands could open the door to more.
“It would be unfair to insist that Nigeria accepts 300 Venezuelan deportees. Maybe that might just even be the beginning,” he added.
Tuggar’s comments come amid mounting tension after President Trump reportedly urged several African countries to consider hosting third‑country deportees, including Venezuelans who couldn’t be returned directly.
Meanwhile, growing speculation has linked Nigeria’s decision to participate in the recent BRICS summit with U.S. retaliation via tariffs.
Tuggar dismissed this, stating:
“The issue of tariffs may not necessarily have to do with us participating in BRICS.”
Another flashpoint has been the new U.S. visa policy limiting Nigerian citizens to single-entry, three‑month visas—up from the prior longer-term arrangements.
Tuggar rebutted suggestions of a tit‑for‑tat response:
“We issue them five‑year multiple entry visas. Not every American is only being given 90‑day visas or three months.”
He emphasised that Nigeria’s visa decisions are guided by purposeful security policies and traveller intent—not mere reciprocity.
He also explained improvements made, such as online visas and streamlined visa‑on‑arrival, aimed at enhancing services.
Dialogue between Abuja and Washington appears ongoing.
However, Nigeria’s stance signals a firm refusal to become a back‑stop for another nation’s deportation policies.
